Inside the Henry County Courthouse, things looked out of the ordinary on Tuesday morning in preparation for the sentencing hearing for Rahsaan Strawder, including a task force member armed with a rifle. Rahsaan Strawder was found guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated battery of a child on March 27th by Judge Daulton, following a two-day bench trial. A sentencing hearing was held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Mr. Strawder was facing 60 years in prison and up to natural life in prison with an enhanced sentence.
Judge Daulton did not find cause for an enhanced sentence and sentenced Rahsaan Strawder to the maximum sentence of 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Illinois’ truth-in-sentencing law leaves no room for early release when it comes to first-degree murder convictions. Under statute 730 ILCS 5/3-6-3, individuals sentenced for this crime must serve every day of the term handed down by the court, with no credit for good behavior or other sentence reductions. For example, a person given a 40-year sentence for first-degree murder will spend the full 40 years behind bars. This strict policy sets first-degree murder apart from most other offenses, reflecting the seriousness with which Illinois treats this crime.
Security measures reached new heights at the Henry County courthouse during the sentencing of Rahsaan Strawder. The Sheriff’s team, including special task force members, correctional officers, and deputies, enforced strict protocols, keeping Strawder handcuffed throughout the hearing despite objections from his attorney. The proceedings took a volatile turn as Strawder had to be forcibly removed following his sentencing, and he attempted to assault officers while exiting the courtroom. Authorities ensured the safety of everyone involved, including escorting Judge Daulton from the building. Although law enforcement came prepared with bulletproof vests and a rifle, the situation was ultimately contained without their use, and no further violence erupted.
State’s Attorney Runty said, “This is not his first offense.” His prior convictions include a sex offense, robbery, property damage, aggravated battery to a peace officer, and domestic violence. State’s Attorney Runty said, “This is not a one-off,” and there is an escalation seen through his offenses. State’s Attorney Runty requested that Judge Daulton consider an enhanced sentence that allows the court to sentence beyond the 20 to 60 years for first-degree murder, including up to natural life in prison. State’s Attorney Runty said the second page of Rahsaan Strawder’s statement, “She found it deplorable.” “I find it absolutely unacceptable.” She said there were parts of his statement that “I’m not going to repeat out of decency.” She said “an utterly defenseless child” was violently shaken because of his personal desire to engage in adult activities. She said that this child would be here with us today had it not been for the interaction with Mr. Strawder.
A court has received a series of statements in support of Mr. Strawder, painting a highly positive portrait of his character. According to Mr. Camp, the testimonials offer a glowing account in support of Mr. Strawder. The defense doesn’t believe that Rahsaan Strawder was put in the position of babysitter that morning. “I don’t think that factor should be considered in this,” said Mr. Camp. Mr. Camp said that Mr. Strawder has the absolute right to say he is innocent. He also has the absolute right to say he is not guilty. The defense said that Strawder talks about his relationship with his children in his statement and that he helps with his nieces and nephews. Mr. Camp said, “This is a man who had a job.” “A good job.” The defense requested the minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Judge Daulton said, “If it means one more kid gets to remain on this earth, I think it matters,” referring to a sentence that is necessary to deter others. In his letter to the court, he said that the child’s mother is to blame and that he would never hurt a child. But he was convicted and sentenced to six years for the sexual abuse of a minor, 13 to 16 years of age. “I don’t know how it gets more heinous than that” for the death of a child. “This was a shaken baby case.” Judge Daulton said he doesn’t think that Mr. Strawder intended to kill the child, but he should have known his actions could kill the child. Judge Daulton said he cares about his children and that his family cares about him. He said that no matter what sentence he gives, Mr. Strawder will bring the child back. “It could be she’s in a better place,” but she could just be gone. “This is why today matters.”
William Borsch has been in the custody of the Henry County Jail since early 2022 on the cases he accepted an open plea for in March. Although he testified that he is hoping for a favorable prison sentence for his testimony against Rahsaan Strawder, no promises or deals were made by the State’s Attorney’s office in exchange for his testimony.
In June or July, William Borsch testified that Rahsaan Strawder told him how he grabbed the child by the leg, shook her, and pressed a pillow and his hand over her mouth while telling her to “shut the [expletive] up” because she had started crying after her mother left the house to take her sisters to school. Borsch said Strawder told him he tossed the child back on the couch when her mother returned to his house. Borsch testified that Strawder said the child was gurgling when he tossed her on the couch and returned to his bedroom. According to testimony by Borsch, Strawder said he and Darcie had sex, and he heard her scream when she checked on Baby D. Borsch said Strawder said they took her to the hospital because she was unresponsive.
Following the trial, Strawder was on the phone with his mother and told Regional Media News that he didn’t hurt the child. He said that he couldn’t have done what William Borsch testified because Baby D’s sisters testified that Baby D wasn’t moved on the couch. Strawder’s family said that Borsch and Strawder had a physical altercation around the time that Mr. Borsch said Strawder confided in him. However, sources tell Regional Media News that Mr. Strawder has been a nightmare in the Henry County Jail. His mother, brother, and sister told Regional Media News that William Borsch’s testimony “was sketchy,” and he only testified to receive a favorable prison sentence for himself.
Rahsaan Strawder was found guilty of First-Degree Murder with Strong Probability and Aggravated Battery of a child under 13 on March 27, 2025, for the death of a 14-month-old girl in January 2022. Judge Daulton delivered the verdict after a two-day bench trial, citing key testimony from cellmate William Borsch. Borsch claimed the defendant, Rahsaan Strawder, gave detailed accounts matching the child’s injuries. The court found Strawder guilty on charges related to shaking the child but not guilty on charges tied to blunt force trauma.